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Victoria University of Wellington

If you are approaching the end of your time studying at university it is often exciting thinking about the next chapter but perhaps also tinged with a bit of the final year blues. Maybe some of your friends have already secured grad jobs and while you are pleased for them it adds to the pressure if you haven’t.
Try not to be tempted to bury your head in the sand. Stand tall and make some time to plan your career next steps. Life is busy, you want to do well and you may be wondering how you will fit it all in. You can do this and it is worth making the time to think about your future, whether postgraduate study or graduate employment. Take care of yourself, manage your time well and take action.

1. Visit your Careers Service. We are open all year round, so if exams finish early or you around during the break, pop in to see how we can help you, attend a workshop or book a career consultation.
2. Sort your CV. By this I don’t mean dig out a version you had cobbled together from your last part-time job. Sit down and reflect on your strengths, your experiences and how you are positioning yourself. CV and Cover letter workshops give you great inside advice as to what employers are looking for in your applications.
3. Research, research, research. Take time to talk to friends and family about their careers. Go online and start with these sites http://www.careers.govt.nz; http://www.careerplayer.com; http://www.icould.com. What type of roles and organisations interest you and fit with your personal values. Be inspired by alumni and read their stories in the CareerView publications.
4. Plan to network. Look at what’s on in the careers calendar each Trimester. Employers come on campus to meet you so don’t miss the opportunities. There are presentations, events through student clubs, careers expos and Careers in Focus evenings.
5. Get your story straight. This is not about a yarn or little white lies. It is so important to be clear about the skills and competencies you can offer and to be able to articulate what you have learnt and how you have developed as a person through your studies, volunteer or part-time jobs, internships, sport or any other experiences. We are projecting forward now to the interview stage. Again book an interview skills workshop, seek some advice and practice.